Member Profile -- Engadget

Snowdog
Member Since Jan 13th, 2006

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Blog	# of Comments
Autoblog	469 Comments
Engadget	158 Comments
Autoblog Green	768 Comments

Recent Comments:

Report: Revived Toyota MR2 hybrid could challenge Honda CR-Z

Nov 28th 2009 7:46PM on Autoblog Green

I think you have your terminology mixed up.

You must be thinking of the Honda system, which is probably considered parallel. Motor is attached permanently to engine and they always turn together (in parallel).

Series Hybrid usually means: Engine-Generator to charge battery, supply power. No Engine direct connection to the wheels. IE like the Volt.

Toyota system is generally considered Series-Parallel. I agree, this is a very versatile arrangement. It can do everything. Mix any amount of Engine/Motor. Certainly the best system for a small battery hybrid.

Rumormill: Toyota MR2 to be reborn with hybrid power

Nov 27th 2009 8:39PM on Autoblog

As long as it is an option, who cares?

Have a base car with a basic naturally aspirated 4cyl, and upper level that boosts performance and economy via a hybrid drivetrain.

Fly in the ointment for Toyota, their hybrid design replaces the transmission so a manual transmission really doesn't mix.

MR2 Hybrid? The rendering is meaningless. This is just speculation and I really doubt it. I think Toyota said they were making a Prius coup. Which will likely just be a cut down 2 door Prius: Yawn.

VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen

Nov 27th 2009 8:12PM on Autoblog Green

I believe everything the Stig says.

Rumormill: Toyota MR2 to be reborn with hybrid power

Nov 27th 2009 11:47AM on Autoblog

Toyota was correct. The MR2 Spyder sold poorly even in the US market. They would never have sold in numbers to make any sense in Canada.

I am Canadian and I owned a Miata and was a big fan of the 92 MR2 Turbo (like a mini Ferrari) a buddy had in University, but the MR2 Spyder was ill conceived, making the Miata look as practical as a station wagon in comparison, so I did not lament that it didn't come to Canada.

Even a two seater needs to be practical enough to get the groceries and handle a weekend get away for two.

New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon

Nov 27th 2009 11:26AM on Autoblog Green

Another vote for hatches. If the only GM hatches in NA are Aveos, I simply won't even be test driving a GM.

Spy shots: Higher performance MINI diesels spotted testing

Nov 27th 2009 11:23AM on Autoblog Green

The current mini-D gets adequate acceleration and delivers phenomenal fuel economy, regularly topping other small diesels in euro comparisons.

This car should be the poster child for high MPG diesels.

If they are going to bring it, they should bring it with the 1.6.

Also the 1.6 should be easier to get past emissions without a Urea tank (which I consider a non starter).

LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut

Nov 18th 2009 2:26PM on Autoblog

Totally agree.

Hatches and wagons are vastly more practical. I think Americans just go for SUVs when they want practicality and most that buy sedans probably have them as second or third cars with a SUV around somewhere.

I only have one car and when I replace it, only hatches and wagons are in the running.

Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Oct 24th 2009 4:58PM on Autoblog Green

Credit where credit is due.

GM deserves credit for going outside the box on this one. I never expected them to match the Prius mpg in charge sustaining mode. That isn't the mission of this car and it would be very hard to do because toyota deserves credit on the Prius as well.

The Prius gets > 50MPG on the highway when the hybrid drivetrain is essentially doing nothing. So it is getting 50 MPG on regular unleaded. This has to be the most efficient gas engine in any car. It beats the new VW diesel on the highway (The forte of Diesels).

REPORT: Mazda working on business case for diesels in America

Oct 24th 2009 2:56PM on Autoblog Green

The real question. How many are willing to pay the $2000-$5000 more than a gas version of the same car?

How many Mazda 3s do they sell? Will they sell 10 000 diesels if offered at say $4000 more than the gas version?

I doubt it.

Tokyo 2009: Should Honda bring the Freed MPV to America?

Oct 24th 2009 9:40AM on Autoblog

Third row seats are pretty bad in big vehicles. I am sure they have a whole new level of pointlessness here.

How about dropping that 1.8L and a 6speed manual in the Honda Fit. That I could handle.

Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.

"I'm pretty much a complete noob when it comes to camera stuff. My wife loves to take pictures, though. So much so that she literally wore out her first point and shoot camera, and the Kodak Z712 I bought for her less than two years ago is starting to act up as well. To compound the matter, we are expecting our first born sometime next year. I fear the Kodak just isn't going to cut it any longer. What would be the best starter DSLR to get? She hates missing photo opportunities due to camera 'lag' so speed would definitely be at the top of the list. Photo quality and features would be next. Price should be no more than $800. I'm not interested in video capabilities."

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